Metal detectors are used to search for scrap metal, lost items or treasures. Every year, manufacturers improve their devices, making them more complex and functional. To avoid searching for the best metal detector in 2021 among all offers on the market, use our rating.
Experts' choice:
| Model | Price |
| 1. Garrett EURO ACE | from 26,700 rub. |
| 2. XP ADX 150 | from 18690 rub. |
| 3. White's MXT Pro | from 58910 rub. |
| 4. Minelab CTX3030 | from 139990 rub. |
| 5. Quest Scuba Tector | from 18,000 rub. |
Metal detector table
Is it worth starting treasure hunting?
In principle, Chinese metal detectors may provide the answer. Moreover, for relatively little money.
Regardless of the motive: introduction to amateur archeology, greed, idleness - a novice treasure hunter will give his hard-earned rubles, dollars or euros for a Chinese craft or for a European or American device.
Aliexpress, Gearbest, Banggood and other trading platforms offer devices that look like a metal detector and often even work. Let's figure out whether it's worth investing even a little money in these metal detectors.
What to look for when choosing a metal detector
To begin with, study the most important characteristics in order to build on them when choosing a specific model. There are not very many of them, so it will not be difficult to understand this issue and find the best option for your needs:
- Operating frequency range. The larger it is, the wider the capabilities of the device. Inexpensive models may have one frequency, but here you need to remember the following: the lower it is, the deeper the search. But at the same time, small objects (jewelry, rings, etc.) are less easily detected. A high range allows you to search for small things, but the depth will be small.
- Search depth. There may be different options, mainly the indicator depends on the calibration of the device, the same model can show different results. It is important to set up your metal detector well.
- Discrimination is the name given to the ability of equipment to distinguish between different metals. This factor depends on the quality of the components, so in expensive models the sensitivity is much better.
- Pinpoint allows you to clearly determine at what depth the found object is located.
- Type of food. Most often, metal detectors use AA or Krona batteries. You should choose based on convenience; it is better to immediately purchase batteries and a charger.
- Reel size and design. The larger it is, the more effective the search at depth. Small options are good for detecting small objects. To search for gold, it is better to select a coil that is resistant to mineralization.
For your information!
You need to pay attention to the weight of the product and the presence of shoulder straps. Even not very heavy equipment will be difficult to carry in your hands for several hours.
It is best to select several options and compare them so that you can compare the characteristics and find the optimal solution. This is the easiest way to see which metal detector best meets which requirements.
Factors that influence the price of a metal detector
The first factor is the brand. If we take a product from XP, Garret, Minelab, Tesoro, we immediately prepare to pay 10 percent of the price just for the name on the box. Relatively young and domestic companies have not yet reached such cynicism.
The second factor is the possibility of discrimination. High selectivity, high-quality separation, screening out black debris and aluminum foil - this is what you should pay attention to, and not on the hypothetical “power and depth”. The editors try to add separation tests to all their reviews of metal detectors - because finding a coin in a heap of iron trash is more promising than the same coin in an open field. And if a metal detector doesn’t distinguish a nail from an empire’s penny, it’s worth nothing.
The third factor is additional functionality. The difference from competitors who have similar indicators in the first two factors is based on additional functionality. For example, the presence of a pinpointer mode. Or display VDI and depth, while the competitor only has sound.
There may also be differences in the packaging - for example, wireless headphones included for the same price as a competitor - that's already a bonus. 15-20 percent of the cost of the kit. Or an extra coil. Or a backpack for carrying.
Which metal detector is best to buy to search for coins?
To choose the best Chinese metal detector for coins, you should pay attention to the detection depth of objects and the metal sorting function. It is desirable to have Pinpoint to more accurately determine the location of an object. The light weight of the metal detector makes it easy to use.
The devices that can be ordered from Aliexpress differ in their capabilities and comfort during operation:
- The HOOMYA MD-6350 can be purchased by the novice and experienced treasure hunter. The device is equipped with a coin depth indicator and has a waterproof coil.
- All Sun TS180 is a budget model and is more suitable for searching for large items. Finds coins at shallow depths.
- Thanks to its bright display, TIANXUN MD5030 is suitable for treasure hunting at any time of the day. It should be noted that the device is not able to track the size of an object found in the ground.
- KKMOON MD4030 is ideal for searching for coins if you set it to dynamic mode. It does not adjust for gold separately.
- HOOMYA TX-850 is configured to search for different types of metal. Good at searching for small objects, including coins.
The model of the Chinese metal detector BOOLATEK MD4030P/MD4030 is the best in terms of price and quality ratio. Users recommend the device to novice treasure hunters. It is not complicated in settings, and allows you to master the intricacies of a new hobby in a short time.
The best models with a search depth of up to 3 meters
The considered metal detectors are an ideal solution for ground and underwater search. Suitable for amateurs and professionals.
Review of the best handheld handheld metal detectors with a search depth of up to 3 meters in terms of price and quality ratio.
Nokta&Makro Simplex Plus
The Nokta&Makro Simplex Plus ground and underwater metal detector in a reliable waterproof case will allow you to search for artifacts in water and on land.
The device supports the connection of wireless headphones and is equipped with a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 2300 mAh.
Work in the dark is facilitated by the display backlight and LED flashlight.
The device has 4 preset search modes - “Metals”, “Beach”, “Field”, “Park”.
The sensing element is a double-circuit coil with a diameter of 11 inches with additional protection.
The length of the metal detector when folded is 63 cm. It is possible to update the basic software.
Specifications:
- purpose/type - ground, underwater;
- detection depth - 3 m;
- operating frequency - 12 kHz;
- detection method - VLF;
- power supply - battery;
- frame/reel shape - round;
- features - discriminator, headphone connection, speaker, vibration, armrest, auto-balancing, moisture protection, tone identification;
- metal detector weight - 1.3 kg.
Advantages
- simple and intuitive interface;
- battery power;
- fast charging;
- good accuracy;
- high sensitivity.
Flaws
- heavy model;
- easily soiled pen;
- unstable rod.
Garrett AT Pro + Pro-Pointer AT
The Garrett AT Pro ground/underwater metal detector with pin-pointer Pro-Pointer AT is a professional-grade kit designed for searching for metal objects in water and soil.
The equipment has an increased level of moisture protection for electronic components and connections.
The device can withstand immersion in water to a depth of 3 meters.
The metal detector is equipped with a DD coil, a comprehensive discrimination system, sound indication, LCD display and a push-button control panel.
The pin-pointer is characterized by the presence of a static search system, an LED flashlight indicator, and automatic sensitivity adjustment.
Specifications:
- purpose/type - ground, underwater;
- detection depth - 3 m;
- operating frequency - 15 kHz;
- detection method - VLF;
- power supply: 4 AA batteries;
- frame/reel shape - ellipse;
- features - discriminator, headphone connection, armrest, manual and automatic balancing, moisture protection, sensitivity adjustment;
- metal detector weight - 1.4 kg.
Advantages
- greater search depth;
- decent functionality;
- solid equipment;
- detailed instructions.
Flaws
- inconvenient cable connection;
- rapid battery drain.
Nokta&Makro Simplex Plus WHP
The Nokta&Makro Simplex Plus WHP ground and underwater metal detector in a reliable waterproof case will provide a comfortable search for targets in various environments.
The device is equipped with an 11-inch DD coil operating at a frequency of 12 kHz.
The plastic casing reliably protects the detector from external influences.
The device is controlled through an intuitive interface.
The model is equipped with polyphonic sound signals, a VDI setting option from 0 to 99, a system for determining the depth of target search and other features.
There is a compact LED flashlight on board. Wireless headphones are included in the package.
Specifications:
- purpose/type - ground, underwater;
- detection depth - 3 m;
- operating frequency - 12 kHz;
- detection method - VLF;
- power supply - battery;
- frame/reel shape - round;
- features - discriminator, headphone connection, speaker, vibration, armrest, auto-balancing, moisture protection, tone identification;
- metal detector weight - 1.3 kg.
Advantages
- high quality materials;
- waterproof;
- clear and convenient menu;
- ease of setup.
Flaws
- a kind of sound signal;
- long charging time;
- heavy weight.
Criteria for choosing a metal detector from Aliexpress 2020–2021
Search depth
The most important criterion, it directly depends on the operating frequency of the device. 2.5 kHz metal detectors are designed to detect large metal objects only and do not detect coins, gold or other valuable metals. The 7.5 kHz frequency is designed to work at depths of up to a meter, which is great for beginners. Metal detectors 10-20 kHz are highly conductive; they are suitable for searching for any metals in a wide variety of soils.
Ability to distinguish between different metals
Often metal detectors are set to one or two types of metals. Before purchasing, you must decide what you will be looking for. Most ancient valuables were made of copper, and coins were made of silver. A metal detector for gold hunting must be sensitive and have a wide adjustment range.
Additional settings
If you want to prevent certain parts of the ground from interfering with your search, the ground balance function is necessary. Calibrating your metal detector can significantly improve its performance. Search programming is also a useful function; it will help configure the device to work in specific conditions.
Design and principle of operation of the device
Depth detectors are not built according to the VLF scheme, typical of conventional metal detectors. The main function is the screening of small metal debris, a kind of weight and size discrimination of targets. To achieve record search depths, large search detectors are used - not only coils, but also square frames measuring from one meter to one meter or more.
Deep
The main requirement for a deep metal detector is a PI circuit, not an RF one. The trick of radio frequency is to filter out the little things in order to focus on the main thing. And look for stoves in dugouts, dig for cannonballs, pull motorcycles out of swamps and all this, and not wave a reel in search of coins.
But if you have a map of Treasure Island and you expect to find a one and a half cube chest, completely filled with gold - take Fisher Gemini or Whites TM 808 - they will find such a mass of metal more fun than all the “digging sticks”.
Types of metal detectors
Deep metal detectors are built according to two schemes. The first of them is RF or Radio Frequency. For example, the Fisher Gemini 3. The RF principle is based on the use of two coils. The transmitting one is parallel to the ground, the receiving one is perpendicular.
This determines the design of the device - it resembles a giant dumbbell that a treasure hunter carries in the middle.
The device operates at a frequency of 82 kHz.
Disadvantages of the scheme: large dimensions, shallow detection - it is impossible to make a large search detector, otherwise you will have to carry the metal detector on a non-metallic cart. And there is no discrimination against ferrous metal.
The metal detector according to the PI - Pulse Induction scheme does not have these disadvantages. There is only one coil, it is also receiving and it is transmitting. For example, the Bulgarian metal detector Deep Hunter 3 Pro SE can be supplied with a frame of 180x180 cm. And this frame can be carried by one person, although usually two people work - the instructions for the device prohibit being inside the frame.
Deep Hunter operates at a frequency from 100 to 400 kHz, can automatically tune out the ground, detects a helmet at a depth of up to 5 meters, and distinguishes between ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Which professional metal detector to choose
This segment provides accurate and high-quality metal searches even at significant depths. Most often, professional equipment has a wide range of settings, and the cost is several times higher than that of standard models. It is worth noting that novice users will find it difficult to cope with such a technique. First of all, you need to answer a few questions:
Questions and answers How much should you expect? The difference in cost can be very large, you should immediately determine your budget and, within this framework, look for a suitable option. What type of search will be mainly used? You need to decide what to use the metal detector for, these could be small items made of precious metals or large objects (for example, wartime equipment). Select the option that is most suitable. What should the range of settings be? The wider it is, the more opportunities there are for fine-tuning the device and effective search in different conditions.
Also, when choosing professional equipment, you should pay attention to such nuances as ease of use and reliability of the design. When a significant amount of money is spent on a purchase, you need to select something that will provide maximum comfort during the search process and will not require frequent repairs.
TS166A
This option from China is ordered by those who search for scrap non-ferrous and ferrous metals.
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Advantages and disadvantages
- The presence of a built-in backlight allows you to work at any time of the day.
- High-quality discrimination mode that allows you to tune in to a specific type of metal.
- To increase the sensitivity of the device, the electromagnetic background of the earth is turned off.
- You can connect headphones to work in quiet mode.
- Does not tolerate high humidity well and is not suitable for working in the rain.
- Effective only when searching for large objects.
- The lithium battery is non-removable.
Main characteristics:
- Working depth – up to 120 cm.
- The minimum metal size is 30x30x1 cm.
- Operating temperature range – from 0 to +50°С.
- Air humidity 85% or lower.
- Battery type: lithium built-in.
- Total weight: 1.6 kg.
The model is effective when searching for large objects and is well suited for working in areas with heterogeneous soil.
TX-850
This option is great for finding small items made of precious metals, as well as other small items. Its main purpose is a professional search for treasures and exploration of places where hostilities took place.
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Pros and cons You can set discrimination so that when certain metals are detected, no signal is given. Voltage control oscillator allows you to adjust the signal strength. Waterproof coil. Background settings are set automatically depending on the soil. Does not tolerate high humidity and rain well. Without experience, it is difficult to understand the settings.
Model characteristics:
- Working depth – 150 cm, at maximum settings – 250 cm.
- Detects a Soviet 5 kopeck coin. at a depth of 40 cm.
- The length of the rod is from 106 to 132 cm.
- Frequency: 19.23 kHz.
- Operating humidity from 0 to 90%.
- Working hours – up to 15 hours.
Advice!
It is better to purchase 2-3 coils for different purposes.
TX-950
Ideal for finding coins and other small objects, even if they lie quite deep. It is used both in treasure hunting and in forensics.
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Advantages and disadvantages
- Detects metal measuring 30x30x1.5 cm at a depth of 1.5 m with standard settings.
- Work up to 15 hours on one battery (6F22 9V).
- Moisture and dust protection of the detector.
- Determines what metal the detected object is made of.
- The settings process is complex and requires preliminary preparation.
- Large sizes, which complicates transportation and use.
Characteristics:
- Search depth – up to 250 cm.
- Operating frequency 6.79 kHz.
- Operating time – 15 hours (battery 6F22 9V).
- Weight – 1.6 kg.
- Air humidity – from 0 to 90%.
The model allows you to make fine adjustments to determine different metals.
Metal detector for gold and jewelry GH 20
One of the advantages we can immediately highlight is that the device detects precious metals and small jewelry well. And even a beginner can understand the menu. In addition, it is universal in use, comfortable to hold in your hand, even despite its heavy weight. The main advantage of this metal detector is that it can withstand low temperatures. Disadvantage: if you have no experience, it will be quite difficult to assemble the device after delivery. However, the kit includes instructions to make the preparation process easier. It is best to look for gold and silver.
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MD-6350
A very sensitive option, capable of finding small objects at significant depths.
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Advantages and disadvantages
- Qualitative discrimination of metals.
- 8 levels of sensitivity indicator settings.
- The device analyzes the condition of the product.
- Detects objects at a depth of up to 2.5 m.
- The coil is waterproof, but the device itself is afraid of water.
- Quite a high cost.
Characteristics:
- Detection depth up to 250 cm.
- Frequency 8.58 kHz.
- Weight 2.2 kg.
- Waterproof reel.
The instrument has a wide range of settings, so it is often used during archaeological excavations.
7. Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100, from 10,000 rub.
Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 is a ground metal detector. It is very functional and simple. Suitable for any user: both beginners and professionals. The model is very light. With a waterproof coil and automatic ground balancing, this device can be used in the most difficult places without fear of breakage.
It has four operating modes, differing in sensitivity and discrimination. A three-tone signal will help you recognize the type of metal immediately by sound. This metal detector is fully worth its price, but some users are unhappy with its search depth.
Dear Chinese metal detectors
GRAIGAR GFX7000
The next device is a little more than completely similar to the Minelab GPX5000. It's called the GFX7000 and is sold under the GRAIGAR brand. The price is 70,000 rubles, which is three times cheaper than minelab.
It would seem that we should take it. But, taking into account the delusional technical description, as well as the obvious inconsistency with its picture (a round coil of 8 inches is shown by eye, but it is stated to be 11DD), the editors recommend that you think very seriously about the advisability of such a step. At the very least, it’s worth looking for a Russian seller of such devices so that you have someone to ask if something goes wrong.
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TM99S
The next participant in the hit parade is a device that is extremely reminiscent of the Minelab Gold Monster 1000. It is called TM99S, costs 55,000 rubles, and is claimed to be waterproof up to 3.5 meters.
Of the technical characteristics, only the operating frequency carries a payload - 6.99 kHz. Everything else could not be written.
For reference: the original minelab can be bought for 60,000 new.
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The best highly targeted metal detectors
In this category we included devices of various specializations, which in their format did not fit into any other group, but nevertheless deserve mention.
Aideepen DIY Kit Metal Detector
Assemble it yourself Rating (2020): 4.8
Kit for assembling a homemade metal detector with your own hands. To do this, you will have to study the circuit and work a little with a soldering iron; those who are especially advanced can also try to improve the design. As a result, you will get a funny device that reacts to metal at a distance of about 4-5 cm from the disk. Such pleasure costs pennies, but you need to understand that there is no serious sensitivity to metals to speak of and the whole essence of the DIY Kit Metal Detector lies precisely in the pleasure of the assembly process. But the device is ideal if you want to get your child interested in treasure hunting and electronics at the same time.
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Huppgou XQ116
Guarding security Rating (2020): 4.8
Detectors of this type are usually used by various types of law enforcement agencies (police, security, military, etc.) for quite obvious purposes - detecting unwanted objects on the human body (of course, they can also search for treasures , but the efficiency will be clearly low). In their reviews, buyers note that the sensitivity of the XQ116 is average, but the metal detector copes with the assigned tasks quite quickly, reacting even to coins, not to mention larger and more interesting objects like a knife or pistol. In addition, the device is good at “catching” mobile phones, which means it is also suitable for such specific control.
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LOMVUM MODEL 1
A good helper in everyday life Rating (2020): 4.9
Today, metal detectors are used not only to search for treasures and valuable items, but also for purely practical purposes, for example, during repairs. Such equipment helps to listen to walls and determine the location of wiring, and is also used for other household tasks. LOMVUM is similar in appearance to pinpointers (from the category above), but unlike them, it is much less versatile and is designed specifically for indoor work.
In addition to metal hidden in walls, floors and ceilings, this metal detector will help you detect cable, wood and alternating current (different scanning modes are responsible for this, each material has a maximum recognition depth). In general, the device copes well with its functions, however, as buyers note, it is important to “get used to” it and understand the intricacies. This is not so easy to do, given that there are no instructions included in the kit - you can only ask the seller to send a short guide.
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OOTDTY 1AA80
Ideal for searching underwater Rating (2020): 5.0
If you carefully read our rating, you should have noticed that some of the devices presented above have “water resistance” as one of their properties. This is an excellent quality, but there it was used more for marketing purposes - there is no objective sense in looking for something underwater with the same MD-6350, the device may, of course, not be damaged (which is not at all obvious), but it is of little use either will not be.
Another thing is the metal detector from OOTDTY, which was originally designed specifically as an underwater detector, with all the ensuing features. The manufacturer promises full operation at a depth of up to 30 meters under water, automatic adjustment, vibration technology for receiving signals, etc. In practice, none of the users have yet tried to test the work at such a depth, but on small dives the metal detector performs well, actually reacting to all metals, albeit at a very short distance. In general, if you ever want to collect coins thrown by tourists from the bottom, or maybe something more interesting, then this device will be quite a good helper.
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Minelab Go-Find 11, from 7500 RUR
Minelab Go-Find 11 is a universal metal detector. It is lightweight, compact and budget-friendly. A distinctive feature is its convenient folding design; the monoblock folds and in this form is only 55 cm, which greatly simplifies carrying and storage.
And another important advantage that simplifies its use is the absence of a wire. Nothing will cling and complicate the search.
Its display is very clear, as soon as a metal object is detected, an icon corresponding to one or another type of target will light up. You can also change the sensitivity and volume of the sound; their controls are located under the discrimination scale.
The best budget metal detectors from Alliexpress
MD-3028
pros
- high accuracy
- fast response
- recognizes 7 types of metal
- 3-tone sound alarm
- LCD display with backlight
Minuses
- cannot be used for searching in water
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review of metal detectors from Ali in 2021 presents the universal model MD-3028 with high search accuracy and fast response. The device is capable of operating in two modes: “all metals” and “discriminator” and detects objects of different sizes made of any type of metal, including copper, gold, silver. A backlit display, battery charge indication, and signal volume control are also advantages of this device.
MD-4080
pros
- light weight
- sliding rod
- budget cost
- search depth
- waterproof reel
Minuses
- no instructions in Russian
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The MD-4080 metal detector is well suited for beginner treasure hunters and scrap metal hunters. The device is incredibly easy to use, so it only takes a few hours to learn it. Using a detector that operates for a long time on a single battery, you can detect a large metal object at a depth of 25 cm, and a small coin - from 10 cm. This significantly saves time and effort on digging holes.
Minelab Pro-Find 35, from 10,000 RUR
Minelab Pro-Find 35 is a pinpointer. This device will cope where a metal detector cannot due to the size of its coil. It is relatively small, but despite this it is very functional. It has adjustable sensitivity (five levels) and has the ability to identify iron, which helps to immediately determine the type of metal (ferrous or non-ferrous).
The bright color makes it difficult to lose. However, if this does happen, the model has an audible alarm, which will make it easier to find the device.
Additionally, the kit includes a semi-rigid holster and a hand leash. And the sealed housing allows you to work not only in the rain or on the coastal strip, but also under water.
